#1: What is SIBO?
SIBO is small intestine bacterial overgrowth. We naturally have a balance of bacteria in our intestines, specifically our colons. SIBO happens when this bacteria gets out of balance and multiplies too much, building up in the small intestine. This can cause issues with gas, bloating, heartburn, and diarrhea, among other symptoms. Often this can be misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). SIBO can be caused by stomach surgery, certain medications, or structural problems.
When we eat certain foods, especially sugars and carbohydrates, this excess bacteria feed off those foods and expel methane and hydrogen. This can cause bloating and uncomfortable gas buildup. It can also cause gas to back up into the stomach and force stomach acid into the esophagus. SIBO can be diagnosed with several different tests, including hydrogen breath test, blood tests, or even imaging. Treatment usually includes antibiotics and probiotics. Severe cases may require surgical intervention, especially if a structural problem within the small intestine or colon is the culprit.
#2: Sleep is important!
You figure you get a solid five hours. You're good, right? You can catch up by sleeping more on the weekends. Should be fine, right? Not really....consistent good sleep is more important than you may realize. Sleep is the body's way of repairing and renewing. Even our brains change function while we sleep, helping remove harmful toxins from the body. While we all need good, restorative sleep, not everyone needs the same 8 hours a night. Small children and teens need more sleep than adults, but adults need at least 7 hours of sleep, minimum. If you're sleeping more than 8 hours at night and still feeling tired, there may be medical issues. Lack of sleep can contribute to problems like weight gain and higher than average blood sugar, and not sleeping enough during the weekdays and playing "catch-up" on the weekends doesn't make much of a difference. Some people have sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep apnea, which make sleep difficult. If you suspect your lack of sleep may be due to a medical condition or sleep disorder, talking to your doctor about potential sleep disorders can help lead to possible solutions.
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